Boxing will see the light-hearted side of the rough and tumble next month as a mash-up of celebrities across TV merge together to raise money for charity.

Highly popular actor Jake Wood formed ‘Boxing with the Stars’ with long-time friend, former boxer and Sky Sports pundit Spencer Oliver.

The star-studded show will feature the likes of MC Harvey, Dan Osbourne and Bianca Gascoigne and promises to be a night filled with entertainment and drama in London on October 13.

Tickets are on sale. Please email boxingwiththestars@outlook.com to purchase tickets.

Oliver, the co-founder of the initiative, opened up on how the idea was created as Wood swapped the jive for the jab.

“Jake’s been a good mate of mine for about eight or nine years and he was doing a PA thing as he was having a year’s break from EastEnders, which was also the year he did Strictly. We were driving and he said, ‘I fancy having a fight before I begin my new contract’,” Oliver exclusively told World Boxing News.

“He wanted to go through the layers because he’s a massive boxing fan. So, we got him a guy who was in my gym, a bit bigger than him and was very strong. Jake sparred him and it seemed a bit tough but he said he wanted to do it.

“Jake went through the layers, he had to get himself back up off the floor in the third round and it ended up being a draw. It was great fun and that’s where it all came from,” he added.

The one-time European champion admitted they were able to attract a mass of stars via their own back-catalogue.

The proceedings will go to Isobel Hospice, a place close both to their hearts.

He said: “We both know enough people in our industries to do this. Isobel Hospice is something that is both close to our hearts because my wife’s uncle passed away there about six months ago.

“They did an amazing job and they helped Jake’s wife during a time they lost a close friend as well so it made sense for us to do it.

“It’s something we enjoy, it’s good fun and we’re giving something back with the charity, it’s satisfactory. This charity is close to our families so to give a little something back, we’re buzzing for it.”

The pair are currently in negotiations for with TV broadcasters for a potential partnership in televising some of the event.

Oliver has every intention of continuing the fundraiser as he eyes the long-term development of the series.

“We’re in negotiations, we’ve had some meetings with a few TV stations in doing some stuff, one of them is massive.

“We got an email today saying they wanted to send someone down and film it which would be great.

“For the long-term, we’d love to get it on a TV platform but at the minute I’m just buzzing to get it going,” he added.

Joe Hewlett is lead writer for World Boxing News. Follow Joe on Twitter @Hewlett95